As the Table Turns “Control has a cost.” 2026 Screenplay by Galen R. Collins - WGA #2338936 

Logline A young manager’s first job in a high-pressure restaurant becomes a brutal education in power and control, until escalating chaos forces him to confront the cost of authority. Synopsis In 1980 Coral Gables, recent graduate Franklin Collins takes his first management job at Gio Bruno’s, a high-volume restaurant defined by speed, pressure, and relentless execution. What begins as opportunity quickly reveals itself as a system where control is everything—and hesitation leads to chaos. As Franklin learns to run the floor, he gains confidence managing staff, customers, and constant tension. But beneath the surface, the environment grows darker. Violence erupts. Rules blur. Corruption and manipulation become part of the culture, forcing Franklin to make decisions that test his judgment and integrity. Outside the restaurant, a relationship with his girlfriend Luz offers a glimpse of a different life—one grounded in balance—but the demands of the job begin to consume him. When Franklin uncovers an internal theft, he takes decisive action, solidifying his role as a leader. But the pressure culminates in a late-night attack outside the restaurant, where the danger he has been managing finally becomes personal. In the aftermath, Franklin is forced to confront the true cost of control—and ultimately leaves the system behind, carrying with him the lessons that will define his future. Themes Pressure shapes identity Control vs. chaos The cost of leadership Integrity under pressureAmbition vs. balanceGrowth though adversity Format & Audience • Format: Film ( 90 minutes) • For fans of: Whiplash, Margin Call, Boiler Room, and The Bear TV series
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